COLUMBUS — Dr. Joseph T. Leach Sr., 92, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011. Joe was born in Wellston on May 26, 1918; he was the son of the late John W. and Alma Leach. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Sara Ann Leach Adams; brothers, Glen and Walt; and sisters, Leola and Sally. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Sara Ann Leach; devoted children, Joseph T. (Laura) Leach, Jr. of Dublin and Janet (John) Fritts of Ft. Myers, Fla.; grandchildren, Kevin and Jay Leach; and greatgranddaughter, Alaina Turner.

He will be fondly remembered by his family at Champ. Joe served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy and was on the Marines second wave in the Okinawa invasion. Joe attended Marshall University for his undergraduate degree and then went on to receive his medical degree from The Ohio State University, where he is a member of the College of Medicine Alumni Association.

He was chief of staff at Riverside Hospital in 1970 and was involved with many associations in the medical field including medical director of Aladdin Crippled Children’s Hospital Association, A.M.A, Columbus Orthopedic Society, Ohio Orthopedic Society, Columbus Academy of Medicine, Ohio State Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Mid American Orthopedic Association, Tri-State Orthopedic Association and American College of Sports Medicine. Joe was the team surgeon for 30 years at the OSU Athletic Department and never missed a game in 68 years.

He loved his patients and was truly blessed in his profession. Joe had a distinguished and respected Masonic career as a member of many bodies. He was a 60-year member of Community Lodge #684. And, as a 60-year member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, he received the 33rd Degree in Philadelphia in 1971. Joe was a member of the Community Chapter # 227, Royal Arch Masons; Columbus Council #8, Royal and Select Masons; and Mt. Vernon Commandery #1, Knights Templar. He was a Past Sovereign of St. Jerome Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. As a 60-year member of Aladdin Temple Shrine, he was active in Court #8 of the Royal Order of Jesters. Joe was also a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. Joe enjoyed working in his yard and being “Mr. Fix-it” around the house and neighborhood.

Joe and Sara Ann loved travel and have been to every continent but Antarctica. Family will receive friends on today from 2-4pm at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, where a Masonic service will begin at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Orthopedic Center, 1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40502-1204. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.